Q: I need to move a 5-year-old gardenia due to construction. Is this possible?

C.M., Houston

A: The ideal time to transplant is during dormancy, but with some care, it's possible to successfully move the shrub now. Choose a well-draining area with morning or filtered sun. Work compost into the soil.

To move, dig deep and wide around the shrub to get the roots, then gently lift it onto a tarp and drag it to its new spot. Don't plant too deep. Water, mulch. Keep the roots moist.

Q: We don't know if the damage on our months-old Japanese maple is caused by insects or lack of water. We recently fertilized it. What might be happening to our tree and what do we need to do to save it?

R.S., Houston­

A: Your photos show environmental damage on the leaf margins. The edges appear brown and dry, a condition called leaf scorch that's caused by too much sun and/or too little water. Perhaps your tree is getting hot afternoon rays and would be best in less intense light. Keep the soil moist, especially if the tree is in sun.

It could be that the dry foliage is disintegrating, leaving a lacy or skeletonized look. But this lacy damage could be the work of beetles that skeletonize leaves as they eat. Should you spot any insects, hand pick them and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.

Typically, we don't fertilize new trees until they're about a year old, so just keep a layer of mulch around the root zone for now.

Q: When watering beds that have red mulch, the color washed onto the drive. Will the mulch harm my plants?

"Red mulch is the final byproduct of shredded pallets that have been used to move bulk products from manufacturer to distributor to consumer. Even though arsenic is not used for preservation of wood products anymore, other chemicals are used to increase the life of the pallet."

Q: I suspect squirrels are eating our pomegranates. Is there any way to stop them?

B.S., Houston

A: Your suspicion is probably correct. You may not exactly win this one until your tree is large and can produce enough for you and the creatures.

Some gardeners place plastic netting around each fruit. Some net the entire tree. Others put small paper bags over each fruit and close with a twist tie. They frequently check the fruit for ripening. And others spray the fruit with garlic as a repellent.